Sakal IFV BVP-M2 SKCZ Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle

[BLACKEAGLE]

Description

The Sakal is an armoured infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) based on the original technology demonstrator BVP-M2 SKCZ created by the EXCALIBUR ARMY in cooperation with other Czech and Slovak defence industry companies to show the upgrade potential of the old BMP vehicle family. The BVP-M2 SKCZ is modernized version of the BVP-2, a local production of Russian-made BMP-2. The ŠAKAL IFV was presented for the first time at Slovak defence technology fair IDEB 2014 in Bratislava and its was also shown at Eurosatory defense exhibition in 2014. Due to the number of this type of vehicle in service with the Slovak army, and the reduction of defense budget, several companies have teamed to provide an upgraded vehicle able to protect the soldiers against new threats of the modern battlefield. The upgraded infantry fighting vehicle has been designed and manufactured within a joint project of the following cooperating companies, VOP Trencin, a.s., Slovak Republic, EVPU a.s. Nova Dubnica, Slovak Republic and EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o., Czech Republic. The modernized tracked infantry fighting vehicle SAKAL is applied for ensuring armament and meeting tasks of mechanized units equipped with original vehicles BMP-2. The scope of modernization ensures keeping the requirements at high level of combat preparedness of these units, assures their capability in compliance with NATO standards while operating embattled and gives response to current trends of requirements for combat tracked vehicles.

Variants:

- BVP-M2 SKCZ: first project of the vehicle based on BVP-2 IFV developed by the Czech Company EXCALIBUR ARMY

Technical Data

Armament
The Sakal is fitted with new weapon station. The old turret of BVP-2 is replaced by the remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) TURRA 30. The turret is armed with one 30 mm cannon, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, anti-tank guided missile system and smoke grenade launchers covering area of 120°. Two launchers for anti-tank guided missile Konkurs are mounted to the left side of the turret. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are electrically powered, with traverse through 360º and from -10° to + 75° in elevation which allows to engage such threats as light and medium armoured vehicles, centres of fire, personnel and low-flying targets. The major RCWS components are armour-protected against damage. The RCWS biaxial gyroscopic stabilization and enhanced elevation & traverse speed substantially improve the fire efficiency even when driving.

Design and protection

The layout of the Sakal is very similar to the standard BVP-2 but with many new improvements. The driver sits at the front of the vehicle on the left side with a single-piece hatch cover opening to the right. In front of his position are three day periscopes, the centre one of which can be replaced by a night vision system .The commander sits to the rear of the driver with the troops compartment at the rear of the vehicle. The commander's and gunner's stations are located in the front of the combat compartment under the weapon station. Both the commander and gunner may fully operate the RCWS using the support of the fire control system with an integrated BMS (Battle Management System). The Sakal can carry a total of 9 military personnel including commander, driver and gunner. The two doors at the rear of the vehicle of the old BVP-2 is replaced by hydraulic-controlled ramp including a manual door in the centre. The internal space of the vehicle is enhanced to be more comfortable and allows a long-term transport for the crew and troops. There is also individual seats which are not fixed to the floor to provide better protection against mine blast. The Sakal is protected with new armour kit which provides ballistic protection at Level 3 STANAG 4569 with inner ballistic backing. Mine protection as per STANAG 4569, under track of vehicle at level 2a, under bottom of vehicle at level 1. The vehicle can be fitted with an add-on armour and slat armour to increase protection against anti-tank guided missile and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks.

Mobility

The Sakal is motorized with a new powerpack which increases the output of the engine coupled to an automatic transmission. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 550 km. The new tacks include rubber pads to allow operations in urban areas. The suspension either side consists of six roadwheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track-return rollers. The first, second and sixth roadwheel stations have hydraulic shock-absorbers. The upper part of the suspension on each side is protected with armour plates.

Accessories

The Sakal is equipped with latest technology of observation and sighting systems. Observation and sighting devices of the commander and gunner are capable of target detecting and aiming at day or night and at reduced visibility. Commander and gunner are equipped with TV screen to control and fire with the main armament The commander may use an independent panoramic optoelectronic observation system. To increase the protection of the crew, the Sakal is equipped with a multispectral laser warning system operating in microwave and laser spectrum linked to the battle management system (BMS) and smoke grenade launchers. Camouflage of the vehicle is improved to protect against observing in the visible & near infrared spectrum. Standard equipment of the Sakal includes modern fire-fighting system in the engine compartment, fire-suppression system in the crew and troop compartment, independent air heater, air-conditioning, thermal , noise insulation and NBC protection system which is linked to the BMS.

Specifications

Armament
One 30mm, one 7.62mm coaxila machine gun and two launchers for anti-tank guided missiles.
Designer Country
Slovakia - Czech Republic
Accessories
Night vision, laser warning system, computerized fire control, NBC protection system, Battle Management System (BMS), engine fire-fighting system, fire-suppression system, independent air heater, air-conditioning, thermal , and noise
insulation.
Crew
3 + 6
Armor
Ballistic armour Level 2 STANAG 4569 and Mine protection Level 2a under the tracks and Level 1 under the vehicle floor.
Weight
19,000 k g
Speed
70 km/h
Range
550 km
Dimensions
Length: 7.0 m; Width: 3.2 m; Height: 2.9 m